HHS Expands Access To Marketplace Catastrophic Health Plans For Upcoming Plan Year

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it is implementing measures to expand access to "more affordable" catastrophic health coverage through its new hardship exemption guidance. "More Americans will be able to qualify for catastrophic health coverage based on need, beginning November 1, with the start of open enrollment," the announcement said.

Catastrophic plans generally have lower monthly premiums than other plans and very high deductibles. They are intended to protect consumers from very high medical costs in the event of serious illness or injury, while still requiring coverage of three primary care visits pre . . .